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Electric Blue Acara

Electric Blue Acara

Posted by Max Gandara on on 18th May 2025

Electric Blue Acara: The Peaceful Powerhouse of Freshwater Tanks

If you’re looking for a dazzling centerpiece fish that combines electric colors with a gentle temperament, the Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) is hard to beat. Known for its striking neon-blue shimmer and manageable size, this cichlid breaks the mold by being both beautiful and beginner-friendly.

Quick Profile

  • Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher (Electric Blue morph)

  • Common Name: Electric Blue Acara

  • Origin: South America (Selective captive breeding from native Blue Acara)

  • Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm)

  • Lifespan: 8–10 years

  • Temperament: Peaceful (for a cichlid)

  • Tank Level: Middle to bottom

Why the Electric Blue Acara Is So Popular

? Unmatched Coloration
This fish lives up to its name—its body glows with electric blue hues that shimmer under aquarium lighting. It’s one of the most visually striking freshwater fish available.

?️ Unusually Peaceful Cichlid
Unlike many of its aggressive cichlid cousins, the Electric Blue Acara is relatively mellow, making it suitable for community aquariums.

? Hardy and Adaptable
It tolerates a range of water conditions, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

? Active and Engaging
These fish are always on the move, often rearranging substrate and interacting with their environment and tank mates.

Ideal Tank Setup

Tank Size

  • Minimum: 30 gallons for a single fish

  • 40–55+ gallons recommended for a pair or community tank

Water Conditions

  • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Hardness: 3–20 dGH

Aquascaping Tips

  • Provide soft substrate (they love to sift sand)

  • Include driftwood, rocks, and hardy plants

  • Moderate water flow with good filtration

  • Use a tight-fitting lid—they can be jumpers!

Diet and Feeding

Electric Blue Acaras are omnivores with hearty appetites. Offer a variety of:

  • High-quality cichlid pellets

  • Frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp)

  • Live foods (earthworms, daphnia)

  • Occasional blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

Feed 1–2 times daily and avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

Tankmates: Who Gets Along With the Electric Blue Acara?

Though they are cichlids, Electric Blues are peaceful enough to live with:

✅ Compatible tankmates:

  • Rainbowfish

  • Corydoras

  • Angelfish (in larger tanks)

  • Peaceful barbs (like Rosy Barbs)

  • Bristlenose Plecos

  • Gouramis

❌ Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species, and don’t keep with much smaller tankmates like Neon Tetras, which may be mistaken for food.

Breeding Electric Blue Acaras

Breeding is relatively easy under the right conditions:

  • Keep a bonded pair in a well-maintained tank

  • Slightly increase temperature to 78–80°F (25–27°C)

  • Feed protein-rich foods to trigger spawning

They are substrate spawners and will often lay eggs on a flat rock. Parents typically guard eggs and fry, but some may eat them in stressful environments, so have a backup plan if needed.

Fun Facts

  • The Electric Blue Acara is a color morph of the standard Blue Acara, developed through selective breeding.

  • They dig in the substrate but usually don't uproot established plants.

  • Despite their beauty, they’re relatively affordable and widely available.

Conclusion

The Electric Blue Acara is a vibrant, peaceful, and hardy fish that brings energy and color to freshwater aquariums. It's a great “show fish” that doesn’t require advanced care, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists at any level.

If you're looking to bridge the gap between peaceful community fish and larger, more charismatic cichlids, the Electric Blue Acara is the perfect place to start.